Electronic device accessory and method of providing and using the same

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments include an electronic device accessory. Other embodiments of related electronic device accessories and methods of providing and using the same are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/376,255 filed Aug. 23, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/394,314 filed Oct. 18, 2010, each of the disclosures for which isincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to electrical device accessories, andrelates more particularly to electronic devices accessories providingprotection to electronic devices while also facilitating externalcontrol of the electronic devices and methods of providing and using thesame.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND

Although streamlining electronic devices for mobility can providecertain advantages to users, these electronic devices are frequentlydelicate, creating a risk of damage to the electronic devices.Meanwhile, integrated control mechanisms for these electronic devices,while convenient when using the electronic devices on the go, often havefar diminished utility for stationary use.

Accordingly, a need or potential for benefit exists for an electronicdevice accessory providing protection to an electronic device while alsofacilitating external control of the electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the followingdrawings are provided in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a left front isometric view of an exemplaryelectronic device accessory for an electronic device, according to anembodiment, where the exemplary electronic device accessory is in afirst open configuration;

FIG. 2 illustrates a left rear isometric view of the exemplaryelectronic device accessory, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1,where the exemplary electronic device accessory is in the first openconfiguration;

FIG. 3 illustrates the exemplary electronic device accessory of FIGS. 1and 2 in a second open configuration;

FIG. 4 illustrates the exemplary electronic device accessory of FIGS.1-3 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 5 illustrates a left front isometric view of an exemplaryelectronic device accessory for an electronic device, according toanother embodiment, where the exemplary electronic device accessory isin an open configuration;

FIG. 6 illustrates a left front isometric view of an exemplaryelectronic device accessory for an electronic device, according toanother embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method 700 ofproviding a case for an electronic device;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary procedure of providinga cradle configured to receive the electronic device, according to theembodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method of using acase for an electronic device;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary electronic device accessory for anelectronic device, according to another embodiment, where the exemplaryelectronic device accessory is in a closed configuration; and

FIG. 11 illustrates the exemplary electronic device accessory of FIG. 5while the electronic device accessory is holding the electronic device,where the electronic device accessory is in a closed configuration.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figuresillustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions anddetails of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in thedrawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodimentsof the present invention. The same reference numerals in differentfigures denote the same elements.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in thedescription and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the termsso used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such thatthe embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operationin sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variationsthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises alist of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but mayinclude other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process,method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,”“under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, areused for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describingpermanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms soused are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that theembodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capableof operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwisedescribed herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the likeshould be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or moreelements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or otherwise. Two ormore electrical elements may be electrically coupled together, but notbe mechanically or otherwise coupled together; two or more mechanicalelements may be mechanically coupled together, but not be electricallyor otherwise coupled together; two or more electrical elements may bemechanically coupled together, but not be electrically or otherwisecoupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g.,permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

“Electrical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood andinclude coupling involving any electrical signal, whether a powersignal, a data signal, and/or other types or combinations of electricalsignals. “Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understoodand include mechanical coupling of all types.

The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near theword “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. inquestion is or is not removable.

The term “mobile electronic device” as used herein refers to at leastone of a digital music player, a digital video player, a digital musicand video player, a cellular telephone (e.g., smart telephone), apersonal digital assistant, a handheld digital computer (e.g., acalculator, a tablet personal computer, a netbook computer, a portablegaming console), or another suitable device configured to output audioand/or visual data. For example, a mobile electronic device can comprisethe iPod®, iPhone®, iTouch®, or iPad® product by Apple Inc. ofCupertino, Calif. Likewise, a mobile electronic device can comprise aBlackberry® product by Research in Motion (RIM) of Waterloo, Ontario,Canada, or a different product by a different manufacturer.

The term “wireless network” is defined as a collection of computersand/or devices interconnected by communications channels that facilitatecommunications among users and allows users to share resources (e.g., aninternet connection, an Ethernet connection, etc.). The computers anddevices can be interconnected according to any conventional networktopology (e.g., bus, star, tree, linear, ring, mesh, etc.).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

Some embodiments include a case for an electronic device. The casecomprises a first panel comprising a first panel inner side, a firstpanel outer side, and a first panel connection side. Likewise, the casecomprises a second panel comprising a second panel inner side, a secondpanel outer side, a first second panel connection side, and a secondsecond panel connection side. The case also comprises a third panelcomprising a third panel inner side, a third panel outer side, and athird panel connection side. Additionally, the case comprises a cradlecoupled to the second panel inner side, the cradle being configured toreceive the electronic device. The first panel inner side can compriseat least one control mechanism configured to communicate with andoperate the electronic device. The first panel connection side can becoupled to the first second panel connection side forming a first axisof rotation, and the third panel connection side can be coupled to thesecond second panel connection side forming a second axis of rotation.

Various embodiments include a method of providing a case for anelectronic device. The method can comprise: providing a first panelcomprising a first panel inner side, a first panel outer side, and afirst panel connection side; providing a second panel comprising asecond panel inner side, a second panel outer side, a first second panelconnection side, and a second second panel connection side; providing athird panel comprising a third panel inner side, a third panel outerside, and a third panel connection side; providing a cradle configuredto receive the electronic device; providing at least one controlmechanism configured to communicate with and operate the electronicdevice; coupling the cradle to the second panel inner side; coupling theat least one control mechanism to the first panel inner side; couplingthe first panel connection side to the first second panel connectionside to form a first axis of rotation; and coupling the third panelconnection side to the second second panel connection side to form asecond axis of rotation.

Further embodiments include a method of using a case for an electronicdevice, the method comprising: orienting a second panel of the caseabout a first axis of rotation leading with a second panel outer side ofthe second panel until the second panel is approximately parallel with afirst panel of the case; orienting a third panel of the case about asecond axis of rotation leading with a third panel outer side of thethird panel until the third panel outer side is substantially flush withthe second panel outer side and the first panel outer side; andelectrically coupling an electronic device with at least one controlmechanism of the case to provide communication between the electronicdevice and the at least one control mechanism. The first panel cancomprise a first panel inner side, a first panel outer side, and a firstpanel connection side comprising the at least one control mechanism. Thesecond panel can comprise a second panel inner side, the second panelouter side, a first second panel connection side, and a second secondpanel connection side. The third panel can comprise a third panel innerside, the third panel outer side, and a third panel connection side. Thesecond panel inner side can comprise a cradle configured to receive theelectronic device. The first panel connection side can be coupled to thefirst second panel connection side forming the first axis of rotation,and the third connection side can be coupled to the second second panelconnection side forming the second axis of rotation.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a left front isometric viewof an exemplary electronic device accessory 100 for electronic device101. Electronic device accessory 100 can be configured such thatelectronic device 101 can be located in and/or held by electronic deviceaccessory 100. In some embodiments, electronic device accessory 100 canbe referred to as a case for electronic device 101. In many embodiments,electronic device 101 can comprise a mobile electronic device, asdescribed above. In some embodiments, electronic device accessory 100can comprise electronic device 101 (e.g., as illustrated by FIG. 2).However, FIG. 1 illustrates electronic device 101 when electronic device101 is located separately from electronic device accessory 100. In manyembodiments, electronic device accessory 100 can provide protection forelectronic device 101 and/or can facilitate external control ofelectronic device 101. Electronic device accessory 100 is merelyexemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.Electronic device accessory 100 can be employed in many differentembodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.

In many embodiments, electronic device accessory 100 can be configuredsuch that electronic device 101 may remain enclosed in an otherelectronic device case (not shown) while electronic device 101 islocated in and/or held by electronic device accessory 100. The otherelectronic device case (not shown) will typically be smaller thanelectronic device accessory 100. The embodiments disclosed herein canprovide electronic device 101 with additional protection. Still, inthese or other embodiments, even where electronic device 101 is notenclosed in the other electronic device case (not shown), electronicdevice accessory 100 can still be configured such that electronic device101 can be located in and/or held by electronic device accessory 100.

Electronic device accessory 100 comprises first panel 102, second panel103, and third panel 104. First panel 102 comprises first panel innerside 105, first panel outer side 106, and first panel connection side107. Second panel 103 comprises second panel inner side 108, secondpanel outer side 109, first second panel connection side 110, and secondsecond panel connection side 111. Third panel 104 comprises third panelinner side 112, third panel outer side 113, and third panel connectionside 114. Electronic device accessory 100, second panel 103, and/orsecond panel inner side 108 can comprise cradle 115. Cradle 115 can becoupled to and/or can be integral with second panel inner side 108.First panel 102 and/or first panel inner side 105 can comprise one ormore control mechanism(s) 116.

First panel connection side 107 can be coupled to first second panelconnection side 110 forming first axis of rotation 117. Third panelconnection side 114 can be coupled to second second panel connectionside 111 forming second axis of rotation 118.

Cradle 115 can comprise first barrier 119 and/or second barrier 120.First barrier 119 can comprise first barrier device surface 121, firstbarrier outer surface 122, first barrier bottom side 123, and firstbarrier top side 124. Meanwhile, second barrier 120 can comprise secondbarrier device surface 125, second barrier outer surface 126, secondbarrier bottom side 127, and second barrier top side 128. In someembodiments, when cradle 115 is integral with second panel 103, firstbarrier 119 may not comprise first barrier outer surface 122, firstbarrier bottom side 123, and/or first barrier top side 124. In the sameor different embodiments, second barrier 120 may not comprise secondbarrier outer surface 126, second barrier bottom side 127, and/or secondbarrier top side 128.

In various embodiments, first barrier bottom side 123 can be coupled tosecond panel inner side 108. Second barrier bottom side 127 can becoupled to second panel inner side 108. First barrier device surface 121can face and/or can be configured to face second barrier device surface125.

In some embodiments, electronic device accessory 100, first panel 102,and/or third panel 104 can comprise linking mechanism 131.

In various embodiments, electronic device accessory 100, cradle 115,and/or second panel inner surface 108 can comprise port 132. In otherembodiments, electronic device accessory 100 can comprise acommunication module (not shown) in addition to or instead of port 132.In further embodiments, electronic device accessory 100 can comprise acoupling mechanism 150 and/or stylus 151. In many embodiments, cradle115, first barrier device surface 121, and/or second barrier devicesurface 125 can comprise one or more protection mechanism(s) 133.Additional details of these elements of electronic device accessory 100are explained below.

Turning to the next drawing, FIG. 2 illustrates a left rear isometricview of the exemplary electronic device accessory 100 for electronicdevice 101, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrateselectronic device 101 (FIG. 1) when electronic device 101 (FIG. 1) isreceived at and/or located at cradle 115 (FIG. 1) of electronic deviceaccessory 100 (FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, cradle 115 can comprise support mechanism 228.Support mechanism 228 can comprise top support mechanism portion 229 andbottom support mechanism portion 230. Top support mechanism portion 229can be coupled to second barrier outer surface 126. Bottom supportmechanism portion 230 can be coupled to second panel inner side 108.Support mechanism 228 can be configured to provide structural support tosecond barrier 120.

Returning now to FIG. 1, cradle 115 can be configured to receiveelectronic device 101. First barrier device surface 121 and secondbarrier device surface 125 are configured such that when cradle 115receives electronic device 101, cradle 115 receives electronic device101 between first barrier device surface 121 and second barrier devicesurface 125. Accordingly, first barrier device surface 121 and secondbarrier device surface 125 can form a channel running the length ofcradle 115. As a result, the channel formed by first barrier devicesurface 121 and second barrier device surface 125 can be configured toreceive an edge of electronic device 101, thereby allowing electronicdevice 101 to be positioned in either of a landscape or portraitorientation.

In many embodiments, cradle 115 can be configured in a manner to preventelectronic device 101 from unintentionally exiting electronic deviceaccessory 100 and/or cradle 115. In some embodiments, cradle 115 can beconfigured to clamp onto and secure electronic device 101 at electronicdevice accessory 100.

Linking mechanism 131 can be configured to couple first panel 102 tothird panel 104 in order to limit movement of third panel 104 aboutsecond axis of rotation 118 and to limit movement of first panel 102about first axis of rotation 117. Linking mechanism 131 can also be usedto keep electronic device accessory 100 in a closed configuration. Insome embodiments, linking mechanism 131 can comprise a strap or beltcoupled to one or both of first panel 102 and/or third panel 104. Thestrap or belt can be configured to be removably coupled together and/orto the other of first panel 102 or third panel 104, as appropriate, byany suitable fastener (e.g., a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®material), a button and snap fastener, a buckle fastener, etc.). Inother embodiments, linking mechanism 131 can comprise a zipper assembly(as described below and illustrated with respect to FIG. 10) configuredto at least partially enclose electronic device 101 within electronicdevice assembly 100.

Port 132 can be configured to electrically couple electronic device 101to control mechanism(s) 116 to provide wired communication betweenelectronic device 101 and control mechanism(s) 116. Accordingly, port132 can be electrically coupled with control mechanism(s) 116. Port 132can comprise any suitable and/or appropriate electrical connector (e.g.,a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cable, a digital visualinterface (DVI) cable, a display port (DP) cable, a video graphics array(VGA) cable, composite cables, an S-Video cable, an optical audio cable,a universal serial bus (USB) cable, Radio Corporation of America (RCA)cables, a tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) cable such as a 3.5 millimeter TRScable, a dock connector such a 30-pin dock connector by Apple Inc. ofCupertino, Calif., etc.) configured to electrically couple with acorresponding/matching electrical connector of electronic device 101.Where appropriate, port 132 can also be configured to electricallycouple electronic device 101 to the other control mechanism(s),described below with respect to electronic device accessory 600 (FIG.6). In some embodiments, port 132 can be omitted from electronic deviceaccessory 100.

The communication module can be configured to electrically coupleelectronic device 101 to control mechanism(s) 116 and/or the othercontrol mechanism(s) (described below with respect to electronic deviceaccessory 600 (FIG. 6)) to provide wireless communication betweenelectronic device 101 and control mechanism(s) 116 and/or the othercontrol mechanism(s), as applicable. The communication module can beconfigured to electrically couple electronic device 101 to controlmechanism(s) 106 and/or the other control mechanism(s) via a wirelessnetwork, as described above. In some examples, the wireless network cancomprise a Bluetooth™ wireless network and/or a Wi-Fi wireless network,such as, an IEEE 802.11 wireless network.

Coupling mechanism 150 can be coupled to electronic device accessory 100and/or third panel 104. Coupling mechanism 150 can be configured toreceive stylus 151, and stylus 151 can be configured to operateelectronic device 101. For example, stylus 151 can be configured tooperate a user interface (e.g., a touch screen display) of electronicdevice 101.

Protection mechanism(s) 133 can be configured to prevent damage toelectronic device 101. For example, protection mechanism(s) 133 cancomprise rubber and/or plastic barrier(s). Protection mechanism(s) 133can operate to limit wear on electronic device 101. Likewise, protectionmechanism(s) 133 can further operate to better secure electronic device101 in cradle 115.

Control mechanism(s) 116 can be configured to communicate with andoperate electronic device 101. Control mechanism(s) 116 can comprise akeyboard and/or a touch mouse pad. In some embodiments, the keyboard cancomprise a standard QWERTY computer keyboard. In other embodiments, thekeyboard can be a custom-made computer keyboard.

In some embodiments, control mechanism(s) 116 can be coupled to firstpanel 102 and/or first panel inner side 105. In these or otherembodiments, control mechanism(s) 116 can be configured to be locatedwithin first panel inner side 105, such as, by counter-sinking controlmechanism(s) 116 within first panel inner side 105 (such that, forexample, the top surface of the key(s) of control mechanism(s) 116 areflush with or below the top surface of first panel inner side 105),molding first panel 102 around control mechanism(s) 116 during themanufacturing process, and the like.

First panel 102 can be implemented as any suitable rectangular, square,or other shaped panel having a material dependent thickness sufficientto provide at least partial support to electronic device 101 whenelectronic device 101 is located in cradle 115, such as, in the portraitorientation of electronic device 101 illustrated by FIG. 2. Meanwhile,second panel 103 can be implemented as any suitable rectangular shapedrigid panel. In some embodiments, second panel 103 can operate like aspine to electronic device accessory 100. Furthermore, third panel 104can be implemented as any suitable rectangular or square shaped panel.In some embodiments, third panel 104 can contribute to supportingelectronic device 101 when electronic device 101 is located in cradle115, such as, in the portrait orientation of electronic device 101illustrated by FIG. 2. In other embodiments, third panel 104 maycontribute little or not at all to supporting electronic device 101. Forexample, in these embodiments, third panel 104 can comprise a non-rigidand/or flexible material.

As referenced in the previous paragraph, first panel 102, second panel103, third panel 104, and/or fourth panel 635 (FIG. 6) can comprise arigid material. The rigid material can comprise any suitable material(s)comprising sufficient rigidity as described above, such as, for exampleplastic, metal, or wood. In the same or different embodiments, firstpanel 102, second panel 103, third panel 104, and/or fourth panel 635(FIG. 6) can comprise a non-rigid and/or flexible material. Thenon-rigid and/or flexible material can comprise fabric, rubber or someother elastomer, non-breakable plastic that is flexible, and the like.

In some embodiments, lengths of first second panel connection side 110and second second panel connection side 111 can be substantially similarto the length of first panel connection side 107 and/or third panelconnection side 114. Likewise, as described below, second first panelconnection side 639 (FIG. 6) and/or second third panel connection side640 (FIG. 6) can be substantially similar to the length of fourth panelconnection side 638 (FIG. 6), as applicable. In many embodiments, firstpanel 102 and/or first panel connection side 107 can be coupled tosecond panel 103 and/or first second panel connection side 110 at firstaxis of rotation 117 by a first hinge, and third panel 104 and/or thirdpanel connection side 114 can be coupled to second panel 103 and/orsecond second panel connection side 111 at second axis of rotation 118by a second hinge. Where applicable, as described below, fourth panel635 and/or fourth panel connection side 638 can be coupled to firstpanel 602 and/or second first panel connection side 639 or third panel604 and/or second third panel connection side 640 at third axis ofrotation 641 by a third hinge. The first hinge, the second hinge, and/orthe third hinge can each comprise a mechanical hinge or a living hinge.Where applicable, the living hinge can be implemented using any suitableflexible material, such as, for example fabric, rubber, and the like.

Electronic device accessory 100 can be configured such that whenelectronic device accessory 100 is positioned in an open configuration,third panel outer side 113 faces first panel outer side 106 and secondpanel outer side 109. FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary electronic deviceaccessory 100 (FIG. 1) in the open configuration. When electronic deviceaccessory 100 is positioned in the open configuration, first panel outerside 106 of first panel 102 and second panel outer side 109 of secondpanel 103 form a substantially planar surface that is substantiallyparallel to third panel outer surface 113 of third panel 104.

Meanwhile, electronic device accessory 100 can also be configured suchthat when electronic device accessory 100 is positioned in a closedconfiguration, third panel inner side 112 of third panel 104 faces firstpanel inner side 105 of first panel 102. For example, FIG. 4 illustratesexemplary electronic device accessory 100 in the closed configurationwith linking mechanism 131 operating to maintain electronic deviceaccessory 100 in the closed configuration while electronic deviceaccessory 100 holds electronic device 101. When electronic deviceaccessory 100 is positioned in the closed configuration and whenelectronic device 101 is received at cradle 115 (not shown), electronicdevice 101 can be located between first panel inner side 105 (FIG. 1)and third panel inner side 112 (FIG. 1).

In another related example, FIG. 10 illustrates exemplary electronicdevice accessory 1000 in the closed configuration with linking mechanism1031 operating to maintain electronic device accessory 1000 in theclosed configuration while electronic device accessory 1000 holdselectronic device 1001. Electronic device accessory 1000 can be similarto electronic device accessory 100 (FIG. 1), and electronic device 1001can be similar or identical to electronic device 101 (FIG. 1).Accordingly, when electronic device accessory 1000 is positioned in theclosed configuration and when electronic device 1001 is received at acradle (not shown) of electronic device accessory 1001, electronicdevice 1001 can be located between first panel inner side 1005 of firstpanel 1002 and third panel inner side 1012 of third panel 1004.Meanwhile, third panel 1004 can comprise one or more handles 1086,and/or first panel 1002 can comprise one or more handles 1087(referenced but not shown). First panel 1002 can be similar to firstpanel 102 (FIG. 1), and third panel 1004 can be similar to third panel104 (FIG. 1). Each of handle(s) 1086 can be implemented as a recess inor an aperture or hole through third panel 1004. Handle(s) 1087 can besimilar or identical and/or can correspond to handle(s) 1086.

In these or other embodiments, linking mechanism 1031 can comprisezipper assembly 1085. Zipper assembly 1085 can be configured to at leastpartially enclose electronic device 1001 within electronic deviceassembly 1000.

Returning briefly to FIG. 1, in operation, electronic device accessory100 can provide a user an opportunity to use electronic device 101 invarious situations where having supported control mechanism(s) 116 andassociated support for electronic device 101 is desired. In someembodiments, when electronic device 101 is utilized as part ofelectronic device accessory 100, electronic device accessory 100 can beconfigured to permit the user to use electronic device 101 upon theuser's lap or other comfortable locations.

Returning to the drawings, FIG. 5 illustrates a left front isometricview of an exemplary electronic device accessory 500 for electronicdevice 501 in an open configuration. Electronic device accessory 500 canbe similar to electronic device accessories 100 (FIG. 1) and 1000 (FIG.10). Electronic device 501 can be similar or identical to electronicdevices 101 (FIG. 1) and 1001 (FIG. 10).

Electronic device accessory 500 can comprise cradle 515. Cradle 515 canbe similar to cradle 115 (FIG. 1). Cradle 515 can be coupled to firstpanel 502, and first panel 502 can be similar to first panel 102 (FIG.1).

Meanwhile, electronic device accessory 500 can comprise handle 534.Handle 534 can be coupled to or integral with first panel 502 and/orcradle 515. Electronic device 500 can also comprise linking mechanism531. Linking mechanism 531 can be similar or identical to linkingmechanism 131 (FIG. 1).

In many embodiments, second panel 503 and/or third panel 504 can beconfigured and/or shaped (e.g., with cutouts and/or molding) to permitsecond panel 503 and/or third panel 504 to pass around handle 534 whenelectronic device accessory 500 is repositioned between an open andclosed configuration (shown at FIG. 11). Second panel 503 can be similarto second panel 103 (FIG. 1), and third panel 504 can be similar tothird panel 104 (FIG. 1). The open and closed configurations can besimilar or identical to the open and closed configurations describedabove with respect to electronic device accessories 100 (FIG. 1) and1000 (FIG. 10).

For example, handle 534 can be external to electronic device accessory500 when electronic device accessory 500 is in the closed configurationsuch that a user can use handle 534 to carry electronic device accessory500 in the closed configuration (with or without electronic device 501inside electronic device accessory 500 and/or located at cradle 515 ofelectronic device accessory 500. In the same or different embodiments,handle 534 can be configured to fully or partially retract intoelectronic device accessory 500 when not in use to permit a reduction insize to any cutouts and/or molding, as described above, of first panel502 and/or third panel 504, where applicable. Meanwhile, in manyembodiments, second barrier 520 of cradle 515 can comprise a flexiblematerial with sufficient flexibility to temporarily bend toward firstbarrier 519 of cradle 515 so barrier 520 does not prevent electronicdevice accessory 500 from being positioned in a closed configuration andsuch that handle 534 remains substantially parallel with first panel 502when electronic device accessory 500 is in the closed position.

Handle 534 can comprise the same material as first panel 502, secondpanel 503, and/or third panel 504. In other embodiments, handle 534 cancomprise different material(s) than first panel 502, second panel 503,and/or third panel 504.

In some embodiments, handle 534 can be configured to pivot, such as by ahinge or other suitable device, about the location(s) at which handle534 is coupled with first panel 502 and cradle 515, where applicable. Inthese embodiments, pivoting handle 534 can facilitate movement of secondpanel 503 and/or third panel 504 about handle 534 when electronic deviceaccessory 500 is repositioned between an open and closed configuration.In other embodiments, handle 534 and second barrier 520 remainstationary relative to first panel 502 such that it does not pivot.

FIG. 11 illustrates electronic device accessory 500 while holdingelectronic device 501 and while in the closed configuration andinverted. Linking mechanism 531 can be engaged (as shown) to maintainelectronic device accessory 500 in the closed configuration. Meanwhile,handle 534 is shown external to electronic device accessory 500 whileelectronic device accessory 500 is in the closed configuration, asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 5.

Returning again to the drawings, FIG. 6 illustrates a left frontisometric view of an exemplary electronic device accessory 600 forelectronic device 601. Electronic device accessory 600 can be similar oridentical to electronic device accessories 100 (FIG. 1), 500 (FIG. 5),and 1000 (FIG. 10). Electronic device 601 can be similar or identical toelectronic devices 101 (FIG. 1), 501 (FIG. 5), and 1001 (FIG. 10).

Electronic device accessory 600 can comprise fourth panel 635. Fourthpanel 635 can comprise fourth panel inner side 636, fourth panel outerside 637, and fourth panel connection side 638. Meanwhile, electronicdevice accessory 600 can comprise first panel 602 and third panel 604.First panel 602 can be similar or identical to first panel 102 (FIG. 1),and third panel 604 can be similar or identical to third panel 104 (FIG.1).

First panel 602 can comprise second first panel connection side 639.Third panel 604 can comprise second third panel connection side 640.Fourth panel connection side 638 can be coupled to second first panelconnection side 639 or second third panel connection side 640 formingthird axis of rotation 641.

Fourth panel inner side 636 can comprise an ergonomic wrist pad and/orone or more other control mechanism(s). The one or more other controlmechanism(s) can comprise a touch mouse pad and/or a numeric keypad. Theone or more other control mechanism(s) can be electrically coupled toport 632 and/or the communication module as described above with respectto electronic device accessory 100 (FIG. 1). Port 632 can be similar oridentical to port 132 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method 700 ofproviding a case for an electronic device. Method 700 is merelyexemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method700 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples notspecifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, theprocedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 700 can beperformed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures,the processes, and/or the activities of the method 700 can be performedin any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more ofthe procedures, the processes, and/or the activities in method 700 canbe combined or skipped. The case can be similar or identical toelectronic device accessory 100 (FIG. 1), and the electronic device canbe similar or identical to electronic device 101 (FIG. 1).

Referring now to FIG. 7, method 700 can comprise procedure 701 ofproviding a first panel comprising a first panel inner side, a firstpanel outer side, and a first panel connection side. The first panel canbe similar or identical to first panel 102 (FIG. 1). Accordingly, thefirst panel inner side can be similar or identical to first panel innerside 105 (FIG. 1); the first panel outer side can be similar oridentical to first panel outer side 106 (FIG. 1); and/or the first panelconnection side can be similar or identical to first panel connectionside 107 (FIG. 1).

Method 700 can comprise procedure 702 of providing a second panelcomprising a second panel inner side, a second panel outer side, a firstsecond panel connection side, and a second second panel connection side.The second panel can be similar or identical to second panel 103 (FIG.1). Accordingly, the second panel inner side can be similar or identicalto second panel inner side 108 (FIG. 1); the second panel outer side canbe similar or identical to second panel outer side 109 (FIG. 1); thefirst second panel connection side can be similar or identical to firstsecond panel connection side 110 (FIG. 1); and/or the second secondpanel connection side can be similar or identical to second second panelconnection side 111 (FIG. 1).

Method 700 can comprise procedure 703 of providing a third panelcomprising a third panel inner side, a third panel outer side, and athird panel connection side. The third panel can be similar or identicalto third panel 104 (FIG. 1). Accordingly, the third panel inner side canbe similar or identical to third panel inner side 112 (FIG. 1); thethird panel outer side can be similar or identical to third panel outerside 113 (FIG. 1); and/or the third panel connection side can be similaror identical to third panel connection side 114 (FIG. 1).

Method 700 can comprise procedure 704 of providing a cradle configuredto receive the electronic device. The cradle can be similar or identicalto cradle 115 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, procedure 704 can beperformed as part of procedure 702, in which case procedure 706 (below)can be omitted. FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplaryembodiment of procedure 704 of providing a cradle configured to receivethe electronic device, according to the embodiment of FIG. 7.

Referring to FIG. 8, procedure 704 can comprise process 801 of providinga first barrier comprising a first barrier device surface, a firstbarrier outer surface, a first barrier bottom side, and a first barriertop side. The first barrier can be similar or identical to first barrier119 (FIG. 1). Accordingly, the first barrier device surface can besimilar or identical to first barrier device surface 121; the firstbarrier outer surface can be similar or identical to first barrier outersurface 122; the first barrier bottom side can be similar or identicalto first barrier bottom side 123; and the first barrier top side can besimilar or identical to first barrier top side 124.

Procedure 704 can comprise process 802 of providing a second barriercomprising a second barrier device surface, a second barrier outersurface, a second barrier bottom side, and a second barrier top side.The second barrier can be similar or identical to second barrier 120(FIG. 1). Accordingly, the second barrier device surface can be similaror identical to second barrier device surface 125; the second barrierouter surface can be similar or identical to second barrier outersurface 126; the second barrier bottom side can be similar or identicalto second barrier bottom side 127; and/or the second barrier top sidecan be similar or identical to second barrier top side 128.

Returning now to FIG. 7, method 700 can comprise procedure 705 ofproviding at least one control mechanism configured to communicate withand operate the electronic device. In many embodiments, the controlmechanism(s) can be similar or identical to control mechanism(s) 116(FIG. 1).

Method 700 can comprise procedure 706 of coupling the cradle to thesecond panel inner side. In some embodiments, procedure 706 can comprisecoupling the first barrier bottom side to the second panel inner sideand coupling the second barrier bottom side to the second panel innerside such that the first barrier device surface faces the second barrierdevice surface. In some embodiments, procedure 706 can be omitted, asdescribe above.

Method 700 can comprise procedure 707 of coupling the controlmechanism(s) to the first panel inner side. The control mechanism(s) canbe similar or identical to control mechanism(s) 116 (FIG. 1). Thecontrol mechanism(s) can be coupled to the first panel inner side in amanner similar to that described above with respect to electronic deviceaccessory 100 (FIG. 1).

Method 700 can comprise procedure 708 of coupling the first panelconnection side to the first second panel connection side to form afirst axis of rotation. The first axis of rotation can be similar oridentical to first axis of rotation 117 (FIG. 1). Procedure 708 can beomitted in some embodiments if the first second panels are coupledtogether with a living hinge.

Method 700 can comprise procedure 709 of coupling the third panelconnection side to the second second panel connection side to form asecond axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation can be similar oridentical to second axis of rotation 118 (FIG. 1). Procedure 709 can beomitted in some embodiments if the second and third panels are coupledtogether with a living hinge.

Method 700 can comprise procedure 710 of providing a support mechanismcomprising a top support mechanism portion and a bottom supportmechanism portion. The support mechanism can be similar or identical tosupport mechanism 228 (FIG. 2). Meanwhile, the top support mechanismportion can be similar or identical to top support mechanism portion229, and the bottom support mechanism portion can be similar oridentical to bottom support mechanism portion 230 (FIG. 2).

Method 700 can comprise procedure 711 of coupling the top supportmechanism portion to the second barrier outer surface. Performingprocedure 711 can be performed in a manner similar or identical to thatdescribed above with respect to electronic device accessory 100 (FIG.1). Method 700 can also comprise procedure 712 of coupling the bottomsupport mechanism portion to the second panel inner side. Performingprocedure 712 can be performed in a manner similar or identical to thatdescribed above with respect to electronic device accessory 100 (FIG.1). Where procedure 710 is omitted, procedures 711 and 712 can also beomitted.

Method 700 can comprise procedure 713 of providing a linking mechanismconfigured to couple the first panel to the third panel in order tolimit movement of the third panel about the second axis of rotation andto limit movement of the first panel about the first axis of rotation,and/or for other reasons explained above. The linking mechanism can besimilar or identical to linking mechanism 131 (FIG. 1).

Method 700 can comprise procedure 714 of coupling the linking mechanismto at least one of the first panel or the third panel. Performingprocedure 714 can be performed in a manner similar or identical to thatdescribed above with respect to electronic device accessory 100 (FIG.1). Where procedure 713 is omitted, procedure 714 can also be omitted.

Method 700 can comprise procedure 715 of providing at one of the cradleor the second panel inner surface a port configured to electricallycouple the electronic device to the control mechanism(s) to providewired communication between the electronic device and the controlmechanism(s). The port can be similar or identical to port 132 (FIG. 1).

Method 700 can comprise procedure 716 of providing at the case acommunication module configured to electrically couple the electronicdevice to the at least one control mechanism to provide wirelesscommunication between the electronic device and the at least one controlmechanism. The communication module can be similar or identical to thecommunication module described above with respect to electronic deviceaccessory 100 (FIG. 1). In many embodiments, procedure 716 can beomitted.

In many embodiments, any of procedures 706 through 716 can occur afterone or more of procedures 701 through 705.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a method 900 ofusing a case for an electronic device. Method 900 is merely exemplaryand is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 900 canbe employed in many different embodiments or examples not specificallydepicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the procedures, theprocesses, and/or the activities of method 900 can be performed in theorder presented. In other embodiments, the procedures, the processes,and/or the activities of the method 900 can be performed in any othersuitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more of theprocedures, the processes, and/or the activities in method 900 can becombined or skipped. In many embodiments, the case can be similar oridentical to electronic device accessory 100 (FIG. 1), and theelectronic device can be similar or identical to electronic device 101(FIG. 1).

Referring now to FIG. 9, method 900 can comprise procedure 901 oforienting a second panel of the case about a first axis of rotationleading with a second panel outer side of the second panel until thesecond panel is approximately parallel with a first panel of the case.The second panel can be similar or identical to second panel 103 (FIG.1), and the second panel outer side can be similar or identical tosecond panel outer side 109 (FIG. 1). The first panel can be similar oridentical to first panel 102 (FIG. 1). The first axis of rotation can besimilar or identical to first axis of rotation 117 (FIG. 1).

Method 900 can comprise procedure 902 of orienting a third panel of thecase about a second axis of rotation leading with a third panel outerside of the third panel until the third panel outer side issubstantially flush with the second panel outer side and the first panelouter side. The third panel can be similar or identical to third panel104 (FIG. 1), and the third panel outer side can be similar or identicalto third panel outer side 113 (FIG. 1). The second axis of rotation canbe similar or identical to second axis of rotation 118 (FIG. 1). In someembodiments, procedure 901 and procedure 902 can occur simultaneouslywith each other.

Method 900 can comprise procedure 903 of electrically coupling anelectronic device with at least one control mechanism of the case toprovide communication between the electronic device and the at least onecontrol mechanism. The electronic device can be similar or identical toelectronic device 101 (FIG. 1), and the control mechanism(s) can besimilar or identical to control mechanism(s) 116 (FIG. 1). In someembodiments, procedure 903 can occur before and/or after procedures 901and 902 occur.

Method 900 can comprise procedure 904 of positioning the electronicdevice at a cradle of the case. The cradle can be similar or identicalto cradle 115 (FIG. 1). In many embodiments, procedures 903 and 904 canoccur approximately simultaneously with each other. In otherembodiments, procedure 904 can occur before or after procedure 903, orprocedure 904 can be omitted.

Method 900 can comprise procedure 905 of operating the electronic devicewith the control mechanism(s) when the electronic device is at thecradle. In other embodiments of procedure 905, the control mechanismsare used to operate the electronic device while the electronic device isnot at the cradle.

Method 900 can comprise procedure 906 of reorienting a position of theelectronic device when the electronic device is at the cradle.Reorienting the position of the electronic device can comprisereorienting the electronic device from a portrait position to alandscape position, or vice versa.

Method 900 can comprise procedure 907 of orienting the third panel aboutthe second axis of rotation leading with the third panel inner side, andorienting the second panel about the first axis of rotation leading withthe second panel inner side until the third panel is approximatelyparallel with the first panel and the second panel is approximatelyperpendicular to the first and third panels.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scopeof the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of theinvention is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the inventionand is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of theinvention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appendedclaims. For example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will bereadily apparent that procedures 701-716 of FIG. 7, processes 801 and802 of FIG. 8, and procedures 901-907 of FIG. 9 may be comprised of manydifferent procedures, processes, and activities and be performed by manydifferent modules, in many different orders, that any element of FIGS.1-11 may be modified, and that the foregoing discussion of certain ofthese embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete descriptionof all possible embodiments.

All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to theembodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacementof one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and notrepair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions toproblems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. Thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elementsthat may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or becomemore pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required,or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unlesssuch benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly statedin such claim.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicatedto the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/orlimitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are orare potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations inthe claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A case for an electronic device, the casecomprising: a first panel comprising a first panel inner side, a firstpanel outer side, and a first panel connection side; a second panelcomprising a second panel inner side, a second panel outer side, a firstsecond panel connection side, and a second second panel connection side;a third panel comprising a third panel inner side, a third panel outerside, and a third panel connection side; and a cradle coupled to thesecond panel inner side, the cradle being configured to be coupled withthe electronic device in a landscape orientation and in a portraitorientation at different times; wherein: the first panel inner sidecomprises at least one control mechanism configured to communicate withand operate the electronic device; the first panel connection side iscoupled to the first second panel connection side forming a first axisof rotation; and the third panel connection side is coupled to thesecond second panel connection side forming a second axis of rotation.2. The case of claim 1 wherein: the cradle further comprises: a firstbarrier comprising a first barrier device surface, a first barrier outersurface, a first barrier bottom side, and a first barrier top side; anda second barrier comprising a second barrier device surface, a secondbarrier outer surface, a second barrier bottom side, and a secondbarrier top side; wherein: the first barrier bottom side is coupled tothe second panel inner side; the second barrier bottom side is coupledto the second panel inner side; the first barrier device surface facesthe second barrier device surface; and the first barrier device surfaceand the second barrier device surface are configured such that when thecradle is coupled with the electronic device, the cradle receives theelectronic device between the first barrier device surface and thesecond barrier device surface.
 3. The case of claim 2 wherein: thecradle further comprises a support mechanism; the support mechanismcomprises a top support mechanism portion and a bottom support mechanismportion; the top support mechanism portion is coupled to the secondbarrier outer surface; the bottom support mechanism portion is coupledto the second panel inner side; and the support mechanism is configuredto provide structural support to the second barrier.
 4. The case ofclaim 2 wherein: at least the first barrier device surface or the secondbarrier device surface comprises at least one protection mechanismconfigured to prevent damage to the electronic device.
 5. The case ofclaim 1 further comprising: a linking mechanism configured to couple thefirst panel to the third panel to limit movement of the third panelabout the second axis of rotation and to limit movement of the firstpanel about the first axis of rotation.
 6. The case of claim 1 wherein:at least one of the first panel, the second panel, or the third panelcomprises a rigid material.
 7. The case of claim 1 wherein: at least oneof the cradle or the second panel inner side comprises a port configuredto electrically couple the electronic device to the at least one controlmechanism to provide wired communication between the electronic deviceand the at least one control mechanism.
 8. The case of claim 1 furthercomprising: a communication module configured to electrically couple theelectronic device to the at least one control mechanism to providedirect wireless communication between the electronic device and the atleast one control mechanism.
 9. The case of claim 1 wherein: the atleast one control mechanism comprises at least one of a keyboard or atouch mouse pad.
 10. The case of claim 1 further comprising: a couplingmechanism coupled to the case and configured to receive a stylus, thestylus being configured to operate the electronic device.
 11. The caseof claim 1 further comprising: a fourth panel comprising a fourth panelinner side, a fourth panel outer side, and a fourth panel connectionside; wherein: the first panel further comprises a second first panelconnection side; the third panel further comprises a second third panelconnection side; and the fourth panel connection side is coupled to oneof the second first panel connection side or the second third panelconnection side forming a third axis of rotation.
 12. The case of claim11 wherein: the fourth panel inner side comprises at least one of anergonomic wrist pad or at least one other control mechanism; wherein:the at least one other control mechanism comprising a touch mouse pad ora numeric keypad.
 13. The case of claim 1 wherein: the case isconfigured such that when the case is positioned in an openconfiguration and while the cradle is coupled with the electronicdevice, the third panel outer side faces the first panel outer side andthe second panel outer side; and the case is configured such that whenthe case is positioned in a closed configuration, the third panel innerside faces the first panel inner side.
 14. The case of claim 13 wherein:when the case is positioned in the closed configuration and when theelectronic device is received at the cradle, the electronic device islocated between the first panel inner side and third panel inner side;and when the case is positioned in the open configuration, the firstpanel outer side and the second panel outer side form a substantiallyplanar surface that is substantially parallel to the third panel outerside.
 15. The case of claim 1 wherein at least one of: the electronicdevice comprises a mobile electronic device; or the case furthercomprises a handle coupled to at least one of the first panel or thesecond panel.
 16. A method of providing a case for an electronic device,the method comprising: providing a first panel comprising a first panelinner side, a first panel outer side, and a first panel connection side;providing a second panel comprising a second panel inner side, a secondpanel outer side, a first second panel connection side, and a secondsecond panel connection side; providing a third panel comprising a thirdpanel inner side, a third panel outer side, and a third panel connectionside; providing a cradle configured to be coupled with the electronicdevice in a landscape orientation and in a portrait orientation atdifferent times; providing at least one control mechanism configured tocommunicate with and operate the electronic device; coupling the cradleto the second panel inner side; coupling the at least one controlmechanism to the first panel inner side; coupling the first panelconnection side to the first second panel connection side to form afirst axis of rotation; and coupling the third panel connection side tothe second second panel connection side to form a second axis ofrotation.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein: providing the cradlefurther comprises: providing a first barrier comprising a first barrierdevice surface, a first barrier outer surface, a first barrier bottomside, and a first barrier top side; and providing a second barriercomprising a second barrier device surface, a second barrier outersurface, a second barrier bottom side, and a second barrier top side;and coupling the cradle to the second panel inner side comprises:coupling the first barrier bottom side to the second panel inner sideand coupling the second barrier bottom side to the second panel innerside such that the first barrier device surface faces the second barrierdevice surface; wherein: the first barrier device surface and the secondbarrier device surface are configured such that when the cradle coupleswith the electronic device, the cradle receives the electronic devicebetween the first barrier device surface and the second barrier devicesurface.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: providing asupport mechanism comprising a top support mechanism portion and abottom support mechanism portion; coupling the top support mechanismportion to the second barrier outer surface; and coupling the bottomsupport mechanism portion to the second panel inner side; wherein: thesupport mechanism is configured to provide structural support to thesecond barrier.
 19. The method of claim 16 further comprising: providinga linking mechanism configured to couple the first panel to the thirdpanel to limit movement of the third panel about the second axis ofrotation and to limit movement of the first panel about the first axisof rotation; and coupling the linking mechanism to at least one of thefirst panel or the third panel.
 20. The method of claim 16 furthercomprising: providing at one of the cradle or the second panel innerside a port configured to electrically couple the electronic device tothe at least one control mechanism to provide wired communicationbetween the electronic device and the at least one control mechanism.21. The case of claim 16 further comprising: providing at the case acommunication module configured to electrically couple the electronicdevice to the at least one control mechanism to provide direct wirelesscommunication between the electronic device and the at least one controlmechanism.
 22. A method of using a case for an electronic device, themethod comprising: orienting a second panel of the case about a firstaxis of rotation leading with a second panel outer side of the secondpanel until the second panel is approximately parallel with a firstpanel of the case; orienting a third panel of the case about a secondaxis of rotation leading with a third panel outer side of the thirdpanel until the third panel outer side is substantially flush with thesecond panel outer side and a first panel outer side of the first panel;and electrically coupling an electronic device with at least one controlmechanism of the case to provide communication between the electronicdevice and the at least one control mechanism; wherein: the first panelcomprises a first panel inner side, a first panel outer side, and afirst panel connection side comprising the at least one controlmechanism; the second panel comprises a second panel inner side, thesecond panel outer side, a first second panel connection side, and asecond second panel connection side; the third panel comprises a thirdpanel inner side, the third panel outer side, and a third panelconnection side; the second panel inner side comprises a cradleconfigured to be coupled with the electronic device in a landscapeorientation and in a portrait orientation at different times; the firstpanel connection side is coupled to the first second panel connectionside forming the first axis of rotation; and the third panel connectionside is coupled to the second second panel connection side forming thesecond axis of rotation.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein: orientingthe second panel and orienting the third panel occur simultaneously witheach other.
 24. The method of claim 22 further comprising: coupling theelectronic device with the cradle in one of the landscape orientation orthe portrait orientation; and reorienting the electronic device to another one of the landscape orientation or the portrait orientation aftercoupling the electronic device with the cradle in the one of thelandscape orientation or the portrait orientation.
 25. The method ofclaim 24 further comprising: operating the electronic device when theelectronic device is coupled with the cradle.
 26. The method of claim 22further comprising: orienting the third panel about the second axis ofrotation leading with the third panel inner side and orienting thesecond panel about the first axis of rotation leading with the secondpanel inner side until the third panel is approximately parallel withthe first panel and the second panel is approximately perpendicular tothe first and third panels.
 27. A case for an electronic device, thecase comprising: a first panel comprising a first panel inner side, afirst panel outer side, and a first panel connection side; a secondpanel comprising a second panel inner side, a second panel outer side, afirst second panel connection side, and a second second panel connectionside; a third panel comprising a third panel inner side, a third panelouter side, and a third panel connection side; and a cradle configuredto be coupled with the electronic device in a landscape orientation andin a portrait orientation at different times; wherein: the first panelinner side comprises at least one control mechanism configured tocommunicate with and operate the electronic device; the first panelconnection side is coupled to the first second panel connection sideforming a first axis of rotation; the third panel connection side iscoupled to the second second panel connection side forming a second axisof rotation; the case is configured such that when the case ispositioned in a closed configuration, the third panel inner side facesthe first panel inner side; and when the case is positioned in theclosed configuration and when the electronic device is coupled with thecradle, the electronic device is located between the first panel innerside and third panel inner side.
 28. The case of claim 27 furthercomprising: a communication module configured to electrically couple theelectronic device to the at least one control mechanism to providedirect wireless communication between the electronic device and the atleast one control mechanism.
 29. The case of claim 27 wherein: the casefurther comprises a communication module configured to electricallycouple the electronic device to the at least one control mechanism toprovide wireless communication between the electronic device and the atleast one control mechanism, and the at least one control mechanismcomprises at least one of a keyboard or a touch mouse pad; at least oneof the first panel, the second panel, or the third panel comprises arigid material; and the electronic device comprises a mobile electronicdevice.